ELLESMERE Port police plan to put robbers out of business in the run-up to Christmas.

Plain clothes officers will be lying in wait at likely premises to complement high-profile patrols by uniform officers.

Detective Inspector Steve Gould, head of the town's CID, says operation Counter Action aims to prevent a repeat of last year's spate of robberies in the weeks leading up to the festive season.

He said: 'Plain clothes detectives will be out on the ground ready and waiting to deal with anyone foolish enough to attempt to rob a shop.

'We have targeted those premises we feel are most likely to suffer an attack, although officers will not concentrate solely on these.

'On top of this initiative, officers are visiting the premises and businesses we feel are vulnerable and offering advice to owners and managers. We don't want to see single members of staff left on their own at night and we want to see tills emptied on a regular basis.'

He added: 'There are so many measures businesses can take to reduce the number of robberies and we are always here to offer advice and help.

'But in the event of an attack, I would remind business owners and their staff that robbers, whether they are first-time amateurs or committed professionals, are all dangerous and should be treated as such.

'Try to keep calm and obey their instructions and only press the panic alarm if it is safe to do so. Note as much as you can the description of the offenders and exactly what they do and say.

'But rather than suffer the consequences of a robbery, take simple crime prevention steps now and have a trouble-free Christmas.'